Large Ensemble Performance Scholarship

OFFERED EVERY SEMESTER

Audition Deadline– the end of the Drop/Add period

Request your audition materials in advance

Eligibility:

Open to all current Wesleyan undergraduate instrumentalists (priority given to freshmen and sophomores) who wish to focus on the following areas of music performance: symphony orchestra, wind ensemble, jazz ensemble, and piano/organ performance.

Audition Requirements:

Wesleyan University Orchestra and Wind Ensemble:

a prepared piece (up to 10 minutes of music);

two prepared scales (major and minor);

two orchestral excerpts (provided in advance at applicant’s request);

a brief sight-reading assignment.

Jazz Orchestra: Applicants need to be prepared to play the melody to one of the following compositions: “Confirmation” by Charlie Parker, “Ornithology” by Benny Harris, “Groovin’ High” by Dizzy Gillespie or “Joy Spring” by Clifford Brown. Interpret melody and demonstrate ability to improvise over the chord changes. Rhythm section players should also demonstrate instrument-appropriate accompaniment skills on the same tune (comping for guitar and piano, walking lines for bass, etc.). Jazz-relevant sight-reading will also be part of the audition.

Value:

Participation requirements:

Scholarship recipients must be enrolled in both an ensemble and private lessons program. The lessons must be taken on the same instrument a student will be playing in an ensemble, except for pianists and organists, who may also take harpsichord. Pianist/organists will serve as accompanists for Wesleyan Concert Choir, and/or as members of the Chamber Music Ensemble.

Application Procedures:

Applicants are invited to send an email to Nadya Potemkina, director of the Wesleyan University Orchestra, expressing their interest in the program and requesting audition materials, which will be distributed via email.

All inquiries must be made and auditions completed by the end of the drop/add period.

It is in student’s best interest to obtain audition materials in advance in order to ensure ample preparation time